The province of Imbabura is the home of one of the most important ethnic group in Ecuador: the Otavaleños. Since their origins and because their ability to interact with other groups of hunters and gatherers, they reached very high levels of organization and production, developing incredible systems of agriculture, domestication of animals, treat the land and with the time they forged their culture, crafts, music and textiles, attracting foreigners from the Inca time to our days to admire this great culture.

Ecotraveler Ecuador invite you to discover the culture, surrounded by mountains, lakes and folklore under our unique style.

• San Pablo Lagoon
• Otavalo Market
• Traditional Lunch
• Inka-tambo experience-based visit.

Itinerary and description:

Pick up from your hotel: 8h00 am

Return to the hotel: 17h30 approx.

Living Quito early in the morning, we'll drive for about 2 hours enjoying of the marvelous landscapes of the northern Andes

The province of Imbabura welcomes us with the Volcano that gives the name to the province, on its slopes we´ll see the San Pablo Lagoon. Our first stop is there, we´ll enjoy of a good cup of coffee with Bizcochos and cheese, while we are delighted by the view.

After this visit we'll go toward the city of Otavalo to the colorful Crafts Market to admire the diversity of motives and colors embodied in tapestries, ponchos, blankets and handicrafts in general. 

Lunch is going to take place a few minutes away from Otavalo, in the village of Agato with a local Family, that invites us to come to his home to taste the best of the Andean food, but also to learn about the local culture in this traditional house.

The Otavalo Culture is very well known for the great knowledge they have about the ancestral uses of plants. Our next stop will be in the Inka Tambo, Mr. Mario Tuntaquimba will show us all the different uses of the medicinal plants he uses to treat Cancer, Diabetes, flu, acne among others. 

After a fantastic day around the Otavalo area, we´ll drive back to your hotel in Quito.  

Important information to know:

1. The climate can change from of 68° F the highs to 43° F the coldest approximately.

We recommend to bring a sweater, and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.

1. Otavalo is located at 8,200 ft above sea level.
2. We recommend you to bring: sun glasses, hat, sun cream, bottle of water, hiking or walking shoes.